Seafront plans could be a ‘game-changer’ for La Vallette area
WHAT’S to become of poor old La Vallette? Recently held up as a shining example of community spirit and partnership, now stuck in no-man’s land, caught in cross-fire and in danger of being consigned to the ‘too difficult’ pile. In 2015 a team under the umbrella of Floral Guernsey stepped in to rescue two of the historic bathing pools – Gents’ and Horseshoe – and at the same time restore the gardens and features along the Victorian promenade. Hundreds of volunteers turned out to lend a hand. People were incredibly generous with their time and money. It was a triumph. Or so they thought.
So, what’s gone wrong? The plan to carry on the good work by creating an Amenity Development Area as a public/private partnership appears to have stalled, with both sides unable to reach a sharing agreement. Meanwhile, the gardens are being reclaimed by weeds and the Ladies’ and Children’s pools, changing rooms and toilets are in urgent need of attention. Of course, it’s mostly about money, but not entirely. There are differing views on land management and differing ‘visions’ for the area.
So where do we go from here? First, all credit to those involved for trying and all credit to the States for the recent community-led Seafront Enhancement Programme where two sites at La Vallette are earmarked for possible investment and creative development. This is good news and could be a game-changer as long as there’s flexibility on both sides.
The Seafront Enhancement Programme is particularly welcome as it is a cross-committee initiative led by Policy & Resources. The same approach could rescue La Vallette. Instead of being the responsibility of one committee as it is now i.e. Environment & Infrastructure, it could be shared with Economic Development (Tourism) and Education, Sport & Culture, with P&R as guardian. A combination of private investment and cross-committee funding could secure the future of the area. Far from being a burden, unwanted and unloved, La Vallette could be a brilliant example of what government and islanders can do when it matters. And, as we’ve seen, La Vallette matters to islanders very much.
SUE CORYNDON,
Founding member La Vallette
Legacy Team